RNC issue warning about inheritance scam

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Economic Crime Unit is advising the public of an inheritance scam.

Over the last week, the RNC says it has learned of several incidents in which an alleged Individual claims to represent the estate of a deceased person. They state it is their mandate to contact anyone who has the same family name as the deceased and to distribute a significant inheritance, often in the millions of dollars. They will request personal and banking information to be forwarded to them and they will split the inheritance 50-50 per cent.

The RNC says the information obtained can then be used to deplete bank accounts and possibly for identity theft.

The RNC Economic Crime Unit urges the general public to refrain from providing personal information to anyone unknown and to verify the authenticity of anyone requesting information.

Anyone with information regarding this scam is asked to please contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). People can also provide information anonymously on the N.L. Crime Stoppers website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com.